Conduit assembly methods

ABSTRACT

A method of assembling a conduit assembly comprises positioning a ferrule over an end portion of an elongate conduit body. The method further comprises positioning a body insert into the end portion of the elongate conduit body. The end portion of the elongate conduit body is positioned between the ferrule and the body insert. The method further comprises expanding a portion of the body insert positioned inside the elongate conduit. The method further comprises positioning an elongate cable in the elongate conduit body. The elongate cable is longer than the elongate conduit body. The method further comprises filling at least a portion of the elongate conduit body with a potting material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of conduitassemblies, and relates more specifically to methods for producingcomposite conduit assemblies capable of housing electrical cables and/orhydraulic hoses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of cables and hoses are used to transmit electrical andhydraulic power from one location to another. While separate,specifically-designed cables and hoses are often used to separatelytransmit electrical and hydraulic power, this arrangement often becomescumbersome when many cables are used. Therefore, composite conduitassemblies have been developed that are configured to house electricalcables and hydraulic hoses in a single conduit. Such composite conduitassemblies are used in a wide variety of applications where electricaland hydraulic power is to be transmitted from one location to another.For example, composite conduit assemblies are often used to provideelectrical and hydraulic power to the drilling and pipe handlingequipment that is commonly used in the oil industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods for fabricating composite conduit assemblies capable of housingelectrical cables and/or hydraulic hoses are described herein. Incertain optional embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are capableof producing a composite conduit assembly that has sufficient durabilityto withstand harsh environmental and operating conditions, while stillretaining sufficient flexibility to accommodate the repetitive andcyclical movements associated with drilling and pipe handling equipment.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method ofassembling a conduit assembly comprises positioning a ferrule over anend portion of an elongate conduit body. The method further comprisespositioning a body insert into the end portion of the elongate conduitbody. The end portion of the elongate conduit body is positioned betweenthe ferrule and the body insert. The method further comprises expandinga portion of the body insert positioned inside the elongate conduit. Themethod further comprises positioning an elongate cable in the elongateconduit body. The elongate cable is longer than the elongate conduitbody. The method further comprises filling at least a portion of theelongate conduit body with a potting material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofassembling a conduit assembly comprises providing an elongate conduitbody having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Atleast one of the first and second ends has an end fitting fixed thereto.The method further comprises deploying a string through the elongateconduit body. The method further comprises coupling a cord to thestring. The method further comprises deploying the cord through theelongate conduit body by removing the string from the elongate body. Themethod further comprises coupling a wench cable to the cord. The methodfurther comprises deploying the wench cable through the elongate conduitbody by removing the cord from the elongate body. The method furthercomprises coupling a transmission line to the wench cable. Thetransmission line comprises a hydraulic hose and/or an electrical cable.The transmission line is longer than the elongate conduit body. Themethod further comprises deploying the transmission line through theelongate conduit body by removing the wench cable from the elongatebody.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a methodcomprises seating a ferrule on an end portion of an elongate conduitbody. The method further comprises providing an elongate body inserthaving a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The method furthercomprises mounting the end portion of the elongate conduit body on thesmall diameter end of the body insert, such that the large diameter endof the body insert contacts the ferrule. The method further comprisescompressing the elongate conduit body between the body insert and theferrule. The method further comprises deploying a transmission line intothe elongate conduit body. The transmission line comprises at least oneof a hydraulic hose and an electrical cable. The method furthercomprises pouring a potting material into the elongate conduit body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the methods for constructing composite conduitassemblies are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are forillustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the following figures,in which like numerals indicate like parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior portion of an examplepartially assembled end fitting.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the partially assembled end fittingtaken along line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example elongate conduit body having aferrule installed over one end.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elongate conduit body having theferrule installed over one end, taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the end fitting of FIG. 1 having theconduit body and ferrule of FIG. 3 installed thereon.

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of an example variable frequency drivecable including a separated insulated grounding cable.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating selected steps in an example processfor deploying bundled hoses and/or cables into a conduit body.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example layout for filing acomposite conduit assembly with a potting material.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the composite conduit assembly ofFIG. 8 taken along line 9-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are techniques for fabricating composite conduitassemblies capable of housing electrical cables and/or hydraulic hoses.The assembly techniques disclosed herein are usable to produce compositeconduit assemblies ranging from less than a meter in length to over 100meters in length. In certain embodiments, these composite conduitassemblies have sufficient durability to withstand harsh environmentaland operating conductions while still retaining sufficient flexibilityto accommodate repetitive and cyclical bending movements, such as thoseassociated with drilling and pipe handling equipment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior portion of an examplepartially assembled end fitting 10 for use with a composite conduitassembly. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the partially assembledend fitting 10 taken along line 2-2. As illustrated, the end fitting 10includes a flange 12 joined to a body insert 14 by an exterior weld 16and an interior weld 20. In certain embodiments, the exterior weld 16and the interior weld 20 are formed using a tungsten inert gas weldingtechnique, although other welding techniques are used in otherembodiments. In such embodiments, a ⅛-inch stainless steel rod is usedto form the exterior weld 16, and a 1/16-inch stainless steel rod isused to form the interior weld 20, although other materials anddimensions can be used as well.

Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,the flange 12 includes a plurality of threaded holes 18, as well as alarge, unthreaded central hole 30. In an example embodiment, the flange12 comprises hot rolled and annealed steel, although other materials areused in other embodiments. The body insert 14 defines a hollow tubularbody that is aligned with the central hole 30; the tubular body has avarying inner and outer diameter. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG.2, the body insert 14 has a larger outer diameter and a larger innerdiameter in a first end portion 14 a that is adjacent to the flange 12,as compared to a second end portion 14 b that is distal to the flange12. In an example embodiment, the second end portion 14 b includes anexterior serrated surface 32. The body insert 14 comprises low carbonsteel, although other materials are used in other embodiments. In anexample embodiment the central hole 30 and the body insert 14 innerdiameter are sized to allow an appropriate quantity of electrical cablesand/or hydraulic hoses to be positioned therein, based on thespecifications for a particular application.

FIG. 3 illustrates an elongate, tubular conduit body 22 that has beencut to an appropriate length for a particular application. In an exampleembodiment, the conduit body 22 comprises styrene butadiene rubber. Inother embodiments, the conduit body 22 comprises one or more othermaterials that provide good abrasion resistance, cracking resistance,oil resistance, and tensile strength. In certain embodiments, theconduit body 22 is resistant to degradation when exposed to ozone,water, light, or other environmental conditions. As an example, manysynthetic rubber materials provide certain of these qualities, and suchmaterials are used to form the conduit body 22 in certain embodiments.In an example embodiment, the conduit body 22 has an inner diameter thatis approximately equal to or slightly larger than an outer diameter ofthe second end portion 14 b of the body insert 14.

Still referring to FIG. 3, a ferrule 24 is installed over an end of theconduit body 22. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elongateconduit body 22 having the ferrule 24 installed over one end, takenalong line 4-4. As illustrated, the ferrule 24 has an inside diameterthat is approximately equal to an outer diameter of the conduit body 22.However, the ferrule 24 also has an end portion 28 having a reduceddiameter, thereby allowing the end of the conduit body 22 to seat withinthe end portion 28 upon insertion into the ferrule 24. In an exampleembodiment, the ferrule end portion 28 has an inner diameter that issmaller than the body insert first end portion 14 a, but that is largerthan the body insert second end portion 14 b.

The ferrule 24 optionally includes at least one sight hole 26 positionedadjacent to the reduced diameter end portion 28, thereby allowing anassembler to see whether the conduit body 22 has seated in the endportion 28 of the ferrule 24. The ferrule 24 also optionally includes aplurality of teeth 34 on the inner surface thereof, the teeth 34 beingconfigured to grip the conduit body 22. In an example embodiment, theferrule 24 comprises low carbon steel, although other materials are usedin other embodiments.

Once the ferrule 24 is installed on the end of the conduit body 22, thesecond end portion 14 b of the body insert 14 is inserted through theend portion 28 of the ferrule 24 and into the end of the conduit body22. The first end portion 14 a of the body insert 14 acts as a stop,thus preventing the ferrule 24 from contacting the flange 12. Theresulting structure is illustrated in FIG. 5, which shows that the endof the conduit body 22 is positioned between the body insert 14 and theferrule 24. In embodiments wherein the conduit body 22 is tightly fitover the body insert 14, the body insert 14 is optionally lubricated,for example using an oil, such as a vegetable oil, to assist in theinsertion process.

After the conduit body 22 and ferrule 24 are installed onto the bodyinsert 14, the inner diameter of the second end portion 14 b of the bodyinsert 14 is internally expanded using, for example, an electric orhydraulic expansion machine and a die. In one embodiment, the innerdiameter of the body insert second end portion 14 b is expanded suchthat the body insert 14 has a substantially constant inner diameter fromthe first end portion 14 a to the second end portion 14 b.

Expanding the inner diameter of the body insert second end portion 14 bcauses the outer diameter of the body insert second end portion 14 b toexpand, thus securely pinching the conduit body 22 between the bodyinsert 14 and the ferrule 24. This also secures the ferrule 24 to thebody insert 14 by preventing the reduced diameter end portion 28 fromsliding off of the expanded body insert second end portion 14 b.Expanding the inner diameter of the body insert second end portion 14 balso causes the optional serrated surface 32 and/or optional teeth 34 tobe pressed into the conduit body 22, thus further securing the conduitbody 22 to both the ferrule 24 and the body insert 14. This results inthe flange 12, the body insert 14, the conduit body 22 and the ferrule24 all being secured together to form a finished end fitting 10. Oncethe end fittings 10 are formed at one or both ends of the elongateconduit body 22, the electric cables and/or the hydraulic hoses areready to be deployed within the conduit body.

The electrical cables and/or hydraulic hoses to be positioned within theconduit body 22 are bundled together before they are deployed therein.In an example embodiment, this is accomplished by wrapping tape (forexample, 1-inch fiber reinforced adhesive tape) around the cables and/orhoses periodically (for example, every 12 inches). This assists inholding the cables and/or hoses in substantially cylindrical bundle,which facilitates their deployment within the conduit body 22. Theprocess of bundling the cables together is optional; for example, inembodiments wherein only one hose or cable is to be deployed within theconduit body, the bundling procedure is omitted. The cables and/or hosesare optionally wrapped in a plastic sheath before deployment into theconduit body 22. In an example embodiment, the cables and/or hoses arelonger than the conduit body 22, such that after deployment therein, alength of cable and/or hose extends from one or both ends of the conduitbody 22. This extra length of cable and/or hose is useful, for example,in splicing the cables and/or hoses of the composite conduit assembly toother cables and/or hoses.

In embodiments wherein the composite conduit assembly includes anelectrical cable having conductive shielding, a separate grounding cablecoupled from the shielding is optionally formed at one or both ends ofthe shielded cable. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cutawayview of a variable frequency drive (“VFD”) cable 38 having a pluralityof individually insulated electrical conductors 36. The conductors 36are enclosed in a conductive armor 40 which is surrounded by aninsulating wrap 42. In an example embodiment, the conductive armorcomprises stainless steel braiding, and the insulating wrap comprises apolymeric material, such as a Mylar®. Other types of VFD cable are usedin other embodiments.

When using a VFD cable such as that illustrated in FIG. 6, theconductive armor 40 is configured to be connected to an electricalground. When the VFD cable is installed within the conduit body 22, thisground connection is provided by a separate grounding cable 44, asillustrated in FIG. 6. The grounding cable 44 provides an electricalconnection between the conductive armor 40 and the exterior of theconduit body 22. In an example embodiment, this is accomplished byremoving the insulating wrap 42 from one end of the VFD cable 38, andcombing out a portion of the conductive armor 40. The individualconductive strands that form the conductive armor 40 are twisted into aplurality of groups, which are then braided into a wire 46, asillustrated in FIG. 6. The wire 46 is coupled into the insulatedgrounding cable 44 using a soldered bushing 50. The soldered bushing 50is optionally enclosed within heat shrink tubing. The insulatedgrounding cable 44 is then grouped with the other electrical conductors36 from the VFD cable 38.

In an example embodiment, the insulated grounding cable 44 includes adistinctive indicium, such as a marking 52, to differentiate it from theother electrical conductors 36. In a modified embodiment wherein thecomposite conduit assembly includes a plurality of VFD cables, thegrounds for the VFD cables are optionally combined into a singleinsulated grounding cable. The VFD cable 38 is then ready to be bundledwith other cables and/or hoses as described above, and deployed into thecomposite conduit 22 using the techniques described herein. In anexample embodiment, the electrical conductors 38 and the insulatedgrounding cable 44 extend from one or both ends of the compositeconduit.

By optionally positioning the soldered bushing 50 and the strippedportion of the insulating wrap 42 within the conduit body 22, only theelectrical conductors 36 and the insulated grounding cable 44 extendfrom an end of the composite conduit assembly. This advantageouslyeliminates the need for an end user to splice the individual componentsof the VFD cable 38; instead, the splice is secured within the compositeconduit assembly. However, in modified embodiments the VFD cable is notspliced inside the composite conduit assembly.

An example process for deploying a hydraulic hose, an electrical cable,or a bundle of hoses and cables into a conduit body 22 is set forth inthe flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7. In this process, the ends of theconduit body 22 are securely anchored, as indicated by operational block50. In example embodiments wherein end fittings 10 have been assembledone the conduit body 22, this is accomplished by pinning the endfittings 10 between the blades of a forklift, by tying cables betweenthe threaded holes 18 and floor anchors, by a combination of these twotechniques, or by using other techniques.

Once the ends of the conduit body 22 are secured, a string (for example,a fiber, nylon, metal, or other string type) is deployed through thelength of the conduit body 22, as indicated by operational bock 52.Preferably, the string is longer than the conduit body 22, such that theends of the string extend from the ends of the conduit body 22 when thestring is fully deployed. In an example embodiment, the string isdeployed by tying one end of a string to a ping-pong ball and blowingthe ping-pong ball through the conduit body 22 using compressed air. Inthis embodiment, string is used (a) to facilitate the passage of thestring through the conduit when only compressed air is used as apropellant, and (b) because the string is not subjected to large tensilestresses in subsequent assembly steps. Other techniques are used todeploy the string into the conduit body 22 in other embodiments. Forexample, in a modified embodiment a first magnet is tied to one end ofthe string, and a second magnet is passed along the exterior of theconduit body 22, thereby “dragging” the first magnet along the interiorof the conduit body 22 as the string is deployed therein. In yet anothermodified embodiment, ping pong ball is used, but a vacuum is used topull the ball from one end of the conduit body 22.

Once the string is deployed through the length of the conduit body 22, acord is attached to a first end of the string, as indicated byoperational block 54. In an example embodiment, the cord has a highertensile strength than the string. A second end of the string is thenpulled from the conduit body 22, thereby removing the string from theconduit body 22 and deploying the cord into the conduit body 22, asindicated by operational block 56. Preferably, the cord is longer thanthe conduit body 22, such that the ends of the cord extend from the endsof the conduit body 22 when the cord is fully deployed.

Once the cord is deployed through the length of the conduit body 22, awinch cable, or other pulling device, is attached to a first end of thecord, as indicated by operational block 58. A second end of the cord isthen pulled from the conduit body 22, thereby removing the cord from theconduit body 22 and deploying the winch cable into the conduit body 22,as indicated by operational block 60. In an example embodiment, the cordhas sufficient tensile strength to pull the winch cable through theconduit body 22. Preferably, the winch cable is longer than the conduitbody 22, such that the ends of the winch cable extend from the conduitbody 22 when the winch cable is fully deployed.

Once the winch cable is deployed through the length of the conduit body22, the bundle of electrical cables and/or hydraulic hoses to bedeployed therein is coupled to a first end of the winch cable, asindicated by operational block 62. In an example embodiment, this isaccomplished using a bundled cable harness that cinches around thebundled cables and includes a hook that is tied to the winch cable. Awinch is then used to pull a second end of the winch cable from theconduit body 22, thereby removing the winch cable from the conduit body22 and deploying the bundle of electrical cables and/or hydraulic hosesthrough the conduit body 22.

Once the bundle of electrical cables and/or hydraulic hoses is deployedinto the conduit body 22, a potting material is filled into the conduitbody 22. The potting material unites the bundles cables and/or hoseswith the conduit body 22, thereby reducing or preventing binding orother movement of the cables and/or hoses within the conduit body 22. Inan example embodiment, the potting material is poured into the conduitbody 22 using the example gravity-based filling system illustrated inFIG. 8. As illustrated, the conduit body 22 is laid out with the endfittings 10 elevated and facing upward, with the cable and/or hose ends54 deployed in the conduit body 22 extending therefrom. FIG. 9 is across-sectional view of the end fitting 10 illustrated in FIG. 8, takenalong line 9-9. Once the conduit body 22 is positioned as illustrated inFIG. 8, a potting material is poured into one or both ends of theconduit body 22. Specifically, the potting material is poured into theportion of the conduit body 22 not occupied by the cables and/or hoses,as indicated by region 56 illustrated in FIG. 9.

In an example embodiment, the potting material comprises two differentliquid polymers that, when cured at room temperature betweenapproximately 12 hours and approximately 48 hours, form a relativelytough urethane elastomer that is resistant to petroleum and ozone, andthat has superior abrasion resistance. In one embodiment, the pottingmaterial retains its mechanical properties over a wide range ofoperating temperatures, such as between about −20° F. and about +175° F.

In an example embodiment, a first liquid polymer is poured into theconduit body 22 first, and is filled to within approximately three feet(or other desired distance) of the end fittings 10. A second liquidpolymer is poured into the conduit body 22 after the first liquidpolymer, and is filled to the opening of the end fitting 10. In anexample embodiment, the second liquid polymer has more adhesiveproperties as compared to the first liquid polymer, whereas the firstliquid polymer is more flexible than the second liquid polymer. In amodified embodiment wherein the conduit body is relatively short, thefirst liquid polymer is filled to less than three feet of the endfittings 10. In yet another modified embodiment, the first liquidpolymer is omitted, and the conduit body is potted using only the secondliquid polymer. In yet another modified embodiment, the second liquidpolymer is omitted, and the conduit body is potted using only the firstliquid polymer.

The first and second liquid polymers include a catalyst and a base thatare mixed before pouring into the conduit body 22. In one embodiment,the first liquid polymer is Calthane 1900 (base and catalyst mixed at a9:1 mass ratio), and the second liquid polymer is Calthane 1300 (baseand catalyst mixed at a 6:1 mass ratio), which are both available fromCal Polymers, Inc. (Long Beach, Calif.).

After the potting material is filled into the conduit body, theresulting structure is allowed to cure for at least approximately 12hours. Shorter or longer curing times are used in other embodiments.After the potting material has cured, the resulting composite conduitassembly is ready for use. As expounded herein, the techniques disclosedherein are usable to produce composite conduit assemblies havingsufficient durability to withstand harsh environmental and operatingconductions yet still retain sufficient flexibility to accommodaterepetitive and cyclical bending movements, such as those associated withdrilling and pipe handling equipment.

Scope of the Invention

While the foregoing detailed description discloses several embodimentsof the present invention, it should be understood that this disclosureis illustrative only and is not limiting of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that the specific configurations and operationsdisclosed can differ from those described above, and that the methodsdescribed herein can be used in contexts other than the manufacture ofcomposite conduit assemblies.

1. A method of assembling a conduit assembly, the method comprising:positioning a ferrule over an end portion of an elongate conduit body;positioning a body insert into the end portion of the elongate conduitbody, such that the end portion of the elongate conduit body ispositioned between the ferrule and the body insert; expanding a portionof the body insert positioned inside the elongate conduit; positioningan elongate cable in the elongate conduit body, wherein the elongatecable is longer than the elongate conduit body; and filling at least aportion of the elongate conduit body with a potting material.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising welding a flange to the bodyinsert.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the ferrulefurther comprises seating the end portion of the elongate conduit bodyinto a reduced diameter portion of the ferrule.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein positioning the body insert into the end portion of theelongate conduit body further comprises lubricating the body insert. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the body insert into the endportion of the elongate conduit body further comprises lubricating thebody insert with a vegetable oil.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinpositioning the body insert into the end portion of the elongate conduitbody comprises positioning the end portion of the elongate conduit bodyagainst a serrated surface of the body insert.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the portion of the body insert is expanded using an electricexpansion machine.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate cablecomprises at least one of a hydraulic hose and an electrical cable. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate cable comprises a variablefrequency drive cable.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongatecable comprises a variable frequency drive cable having a conductivearmor, further comprising: combing out a portion of the conductivearmor; and forming a insulated grounding cable from the combed-outportion of the conductive armor.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinfilling at least a portion of the elongate conduit body furthercomprises: filling a central portion of the elongate conduit body with afirst liquid polymer; and filing an end portion of the elongate conduitbody with a second liquid polymer.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinfilling at least a portion of the elongate conduit body furthercomprises: filling a central portion of the elongate conduit body with afirst liquid polymer; and filing an end portion of the elongate conduitbody with a second liquid polymer, wherein the first liquid polymer ismore flexible than the second liquid polymer.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising curing the potting material for at least about 12hours.
 14. A method of assembling a conduit assembly, the methodcomprising: providing an elongate conduit body having a first end and asecond end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first andsecond ends has an end fitting fixed thereto; deploying a string throughthe elongate conduit body; coupling a cord to the string; deploying thecord through the elongate conduit body by removing the string from theelongate body; coupling a wench cable to the cord; deploying the wenchcable through the elongate conduit body by removing the cord from theelongate body; coupling a transmission line to the wench cable, whereinthe transmission line comprises a hydraulic hose and/or an electricalcable, and wherein the transmission line is longer than the elongateconduit body; and deploying the transmission line through the elongateconduit body by removing the wench cable from the elongate body.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the wench cable is removed from the elongatebody using a electric wench.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the endfitting comprises a body insert and a ferrule that are positioned onopposite sides of an end of the elongate conduit body.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the string, the cord and the wench cable are eachlonger than the elongate conduit body.
 18. The method of claim 14,wherein deploying the string through the elongate conduit body comprisesattaching a ball to an end of the string and blowing the ball throughthe elongate conduit body using compressed air.
 19. The method of claim14, wherein deploying the string through the elongate conduit bodycomprises attaching a first magnet to an end of the string and using asecond magnet to move the first magnet through the elongate conduitbody.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising anchoring the firstand second ends of the elongate conduit body before deploying the stringtherethrough.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmission linecomprises a plurality of electrical cables and a plurality of hydrauliccables.
 22. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmission line iscoupled to the wench cable using a bundled cable harness.
 23. A methodcomprising: seating a ferrule on an end portion of an elongate conduitbody; providing an elongate body insert having a large diameter end anda small diameter end; mounting the end portion of the elongate conduitbody on the small diameter end of the body insert, such that the largediameter end of the body insert contacts the ferrule; compressing theelongate conduit body between the body insert and the ferrule; deployinga transmission line into the elongate conduit body, wherein thetransmission line comprises at least one of a hydraulic hose and anelectrical cable; and pouring a potting material into the elongateconduit body.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein seating the ferrulefurther comprises positioning the elongate conduit body against teethformed on an interior portion of the ferrule.
 25. The method of claim23, wherein the ferrule includes a sight hole configured to allow theelongate conduit body to be visible through the sight hole when theelongate conduit body is seated against a reduced diameter portion ofthe ferrule.
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising welding aflange to the large diameter end of the elongate body.
 27. The method ofclaim 23, further comprising welding a flange to the large diameter endof the elongate body using a tungsten inert gas welding technique. 28.The method of claim 23, wherein the elongate conduit body is seated in areduced diameter portion of the ferrule.
 29. The method of claim 23,wherein: the elongate conduit body is seated in a reduced diameterportion of the ferrule; and the reduced diameter portion of the ferruleis configured to pass over the small diameter end of the elongate bodyinsert, but is configured to not pass over the larger diameter end ofthe elongate body insert.
 30. The method of claim 23, whereincompressing the elongate conduit body further comprises expanding atleast a portion of the body insert.
 31. The method of claim 23, whereinmounting the elongate conduit body onto the body insert furthercomprises lubricating the body insert.